Modem having flexible architecture for connecting to multiple channel interfaces

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an integrated access device (IAD) that provides multiple communication interfaces for communications to a variety of service providers. The disclosed IAD acts as a DSL modem and combines the functions of a gateway, router, and Ethernet hub to provide high-speed Internet access to PCs sharing a local network. It provides the networking functions that let PCs connect through a variety of methods, including traditional Ethernet, wireless, universal serial bus (USB), and home phoneline networking alliance (HPNA). It also provides point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPOE) tunneling through network address translation (NAT).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional applicationNo. 60/207,955, filed May 31, 2000, whose contents are incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a communications modem. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a communications modemwhich can be interfaced to number of different channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) is a technology which allows forsimultaneous voice arid data traffic to coexist over a communicationchannel comprising a standard telephone transmission line. Typically, astandard telephone transmission line comprises an unshielded twistedpair of copper wire having a gauge of 22-26AWG. Twisted pairs, which canbe used to connect a central telephone system (a ‘central’ unit) to asubscriber's telephone (a ‘remote’ unit) can support bandwidths of up to2 MHz through the use of digital signal processing (ASP) technology.Thus, they can be used for bandwidth-intensive applications, such asInternet access and video-on demand, as well as for carrying voicetraffic. Frequency division multiplexing is used so that a puality ofsignals, each occupying a different frequency band, can besimultaneously sent over the same transmission line.

The voice traffic band comprises a number of frequency subbands, orchannels, ranging from DC to 20 KHz The analog voice band frequency istypically specified as 200–4000 Hz Customer specified additions mayinclude phone operation up to 8 KHz in addition to 12–16 KHz billingtones. In addition, DC to 30 Hz frequencies are typically assigned forauxiliary analog signaling purposes, such as ringing the telephone, dialpulsing and ontoff hook signaling.

ADSL data traffic bandwidth for Discrete Multitone (DMT) modulation istypically from 25 KHz–1.1 MHZ. Of this, upstream data traffic (i.e.,remote unit to central unit) uses the 25 KHz–138 KHz band, while thedownstream traffic (i.e., central unit to remote unit) uses the 138KHz–1 MHZ band.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,955 discloses an adaptive data rate modem, The modemincorporates an adaptive data rate encoder and an adaptive data ratedecoder using adaptive, parallel-branch decoding to translate receivedsymbols into corresponding data bits. The data rate is changedautomatically and dynamically without interrupting the decoding process.A constant channel symbol rate and a single signal set simplify signalacquisition and synchronization. Incoming and outgoing data arebuffered, and the transmission rate is changed dynamically by a memorycontroller to avert buffer overflows and underflows. An optionaladaptive phase-lock loop system maintains synchronization of the decoderat all data rates.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,840 discloses a multiple line modem and methodenabling a user to automatically usurp a plurality of telephone linesfor data transfer when the telephone is not in use. A user is able toswitch from multiple line data operation to one (Or move) line data andone (or more) line telephone operation automatically when the telephonehandset is lifted or an incoming call is detected signaling a requestfor voice service. The multiple line modern automatically reestablishesthe data connection on the line(s) that was used for voice service whenthe voice service terminates. The multiple line modem allows end to endservice that is transparent to the central office. When all lines areoperating in data transfer mode, the aggregate data transfer rate ismultiplied by the number of lines available for data transport When oneline(s) is operating in voice service mode, the other line(s) maintainsdata transfer operation at a reduced rate. The line(s) that is used forvoice service is adaptively managed by the multiple line modem toprovide seamless switching between data transfer mode operation whenvoice service is not requested and voice service mode operation whenvoice service is requested.

U.S. Pat. No, 5,910,959 discloses a methodology for a modem controlchannel. The channel allows faster seamless rate change and precoder tapexchange than the baseline procedure for seamless rate change, allowingfor more robust transmission of control information It can also be usedto convey side-information in the case of multiple data applicatiors,serving the purpose of mode switching. Thus, with a single controlchannel both the needs for seamless rate change and transmitting controlinformation for multiple data applications can be met.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,722 discloses a modern operating selectively in thevoice frequency and higher frequency bands which supports multiple linecodes. A DSP is used to implement different existing ADSL line codes onthe same hardware platform. The modem negotiates in real time for adesired line transmission rate to accommodate line condition and servicecost requirements which may be implemented at the beginning of eachcommunication session by exchange of tones between modems. A four stepMDSL modem initialization process provides line code and ratecompatibility. The handshake protocol and receiver algorithm allowreliable modem synchronization over severely amplitude distortedchannels and makes use of a short length sequence to train asynchronizing equalizer at the receiver. The algorithm and correspondingtraining sequence to train the transmitter filter are provided. Aftertraining to this sequence, a matched filter or correlator detects theinverted sync sequence. Detection of the inverted sequence signalscommencement of normal reference training of the demodulationequalizers. An internal state machine in an MDSL modem records andmonitors line status and notifies state change to other MDSL and hostprocessor. The protocol for exchanging line connection managementmessages is a simplified LCP for MDSL. In a DMT system, a transmitterfilter reduces the length of effective channel impulse response.Implementation of the filter combines time domain convolution andfrequency domain multiplication to reduce needed computation power. Thefilter coefficients update may occur through a feedback channel.

The contents of aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,541,955, 5,874,840,5,910,959, and 6,002,722 are incorporated by reference to the extentnecessary to understand the present invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an xDSL modem including acontroller having a computer memory associated therewith, wherein thecontroller is configured to simultaneously support both a wireless LocalArea Network (LAN) and a home phoneline networking alliance (HPNA)connection.

The present invention is also directed to an xDSL modem comprising acontroller having a computer memory associated therewith; softwareresident in said computer memory, said software comprising preloadedsoftware drivers configured to support a plurality of PCMCIA cards; atleast one PCMCIA slot accessible from an exterior surface of the modem;and at least one port configured to accept a new software driversuitable for cooperating with a PCMCIA card for which no suitablesoftware driver is already resident in said computer memory, whereinupon insertion of a PCMCIA card, a proper software driver isautomatically invoked, if said proper software driver is resident insaid computer memory.

The present invention is fier directed to an xDSL modem comprising amotherboard having a controller having a first computer memoryassociated therewith; and at least one voice expansion slot connected tothe motherboard; wherein the xDSL modem is convertible into avoice-capable device, upon insertion of a voice card in the voiceexpansion slot, Such an xDSL modem may further comprise a voice cardcomprising at least one digital signal processor (ASP) unit and at leastone subscriber line interface circuits (SLIC), the voice card beingconfigured to support at least one coder-decoder (codec) standard and atleast one voice protocol. In addition, the codec standard may includestandards from the group consisting of G.711, G.726, G.723.1, G.729A andG.728, while the voice protocol may include standards from the groupconsisting of MGCP, SIP, H.323, H.248/MEGACO.

The present invention is also directed to an xDSL modem comprising awireless Local Area Network (LAN) connection, a home phonelinenetworking alliance (HPNA) connection an ethernet connection, anuniversal serial bus (USB) connection. Additional features may includeone or more PCMCIA slots, a voice expansion slot, an audio port; and aserial port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to thedraings in which:

FIG. 1 presents a block diagram of an access system which incorporatesan integrated access device (IAD) in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the accessdevice according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of one embodiment of the access device accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a portion of the rear view of oneembodiment of the access device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an Ethernet network with an access device according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 shows an HPNA network with an access device according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 shows a wireless network with an access device according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 shows a hybrid network with an access device according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the access device inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the access device inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows an access system which incorporates an access deviceaccording to the present invention with a POTS splitter;

FIG. 12 shows an access system which incorporates an access deviceaccording to the present invention with microfilters;

FIG. 13 shows a sample on-screen installation instructions window;

FIG. 14 shows a sample home page of the access device containing on-lineconfiguration instructions for a user to configure the access device;and

FIG. 15 is a flow chart summnzing the installation procedure and use ofthe access device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an access system which incorporates anintegrated access device (IAD) in accordance with the present invention.As shown in FIG. 1, the access system 100 comprises an access device102, a transmission line 104 which is connected to the access device102, and a network 106 which is also connected to the access device 102.The transmission line 104 can be a single digital subscriber line (DSL)line. The access device 102 is an IAD. It allows users to physicallynetwork multiple client computers and phones together to share a singleDSL line and Internet connection. As shown in FIG 1, the network 106connects a plurality of computers 112A, 112B, and 112C, such as personalcomputers (PCs), a plurality of telephone equipment 114A, 114B, and114C, such as telephone sets and FAX machines 124, ancillaries 116 suchas printers and scanners, IP phone 118, such as VoIP (voice overInternet protocol (IP)), VoDSL (voice over DSL), and VoATM (voice overasynchronous transfer mode (ATM)). The network 106 can also beTirelessly connected to remotely located computers 120 and mobilecomputers 122 such as laptops and personal data assistants (PDAs).

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the accessdevice according to the present invention. In the access device 200shown in FIG. 2, there is a plurality of Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) andtwo personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA)card ports.

At the front is a LED panel 202, located on which are a power LED 204, aDSL LED 206, a first PCMCIA LED 208, a second PCMCIA LED 210, and anactivity LED group 212. These LEDs, as will be discussed in detailbelow, indicate the status and activities of various components of theaccess device 200. Located on one side of the access device 200, asshown in FIG. 2, is a port panel 214, which contains a first PCMCIA port216 and a second PCMCIA port 218. These two ports receive PCMCIA cards,including PCMCIA cards that support wireless communications such as forestablishing a virtual private network (VPN).

The power LED 204 indicates the application of power to the accessdevice 200. When power is on, the power LED 204 shows green lightOtherwise, when the power is off, the green light is off. The DSL LED206 indicates the DSL connection and the synchronization with asymmetricDSL (ADSL) transceiver unit (ATU). When DSL is connected and issynchronized with ATU-C (ATU central), the DSL LED 206 shows greenlight. When DSL is connected and is not synchronized with ATU-C, the DSLLED 206 shows yellow light. When there is no DSL connection, the DSL LED206 shows no light. The first PCMCIA LED 208 indicates the status of thefirst PAMCIA port 216. When PCMCIA port 216 has a PCMCIA card pluggedin, the PCMCIA LED 208 shows green light. Otherwise, when PCMCIA port216 does not have a PCMCIA card plugged in, the PCMCIA LED 208 shows nolight Similarly, the second PCMCIA LED 210 indicates the status of thesecond PAMCIA port 218. When PCMCIA port 218 has a PCMCIA card pluggedin, the PCMCIA LED 210 shows green light. Otherwise, when PCMCIA port218 does not have a PCMCIA card plugged in, the PCMCIA LED 210 shows nolight Finally, the activity LED group 212 comprises a plurality of LEDsto indicate the activity of the access device 200 on a 0–100% scale.Preferably, there are 6 LEDs, with the one on the left lighting up mostfrequently even if there is little activity and the one on he rightlighting up only when the activity reaches near 100%. Table 1 summarizesthe indication of all the LEDs on the LED panel 202 of the access device200.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of one embodiment of the access device accordingto the present invention. In the access device 300 shown in FIG. 3, atthe rear side is a connection panel 302. A plurality of ports and slotsare located on the connection panel 302 for connections. Power adapterport 304 accepts a power cord, preferably with 24V AC transformer, andis controlled by power switch 306. DSL port 308 receives a DSLtransmission line. Ethernet port 310 comprises 4 Ethernet hubs for wirednetworking with computers. USB slot 312 is for universal serial bus(USB) connection with computers and its connection states is indicatedby USD link LED 314. When there is a USB connection, a USB link LED 314shows green light. Otherwise, when there is no USB connection, the USBlink LED 314 shows no light. Dual HPNA port 316 is for home phonelinenetworking

TABLE 1 Indications of LEDs on the LED panel. LED No Light Color Lightpower power off green power on LED 204 DSL no DSL connection green DSLconnected and LED 206 synchronized with ATU-C (dual yellow DSL connectedand but not color) synchronized with ATU-C first first PCMCIA card notgreen first PCMCIA card PCMCIA plugged in plugged in LED 208 secondsecond PCMCIA card green second PCMCIA card PCMCIA not plugged inplugged in LED 210 activity no activity green activity on a 0–100% scaleLEDs 212alliance (HPNA) connection. It comprises a first jack 316 b for phoneconnection and a second jack 316 a for line connection, with theirconnection status indicated by an HPNA link LED 318 and their activitystanus indicated by an HPNA activity LED 320. When there is an HPNAconnection, the HPNA link LED 318 shows green light. Otherwise, whenthere is no HPNA connection, the HPNA link LED 318 shows no light. Also,when there is an HPNA connection, the HPNA activity LED 320 flashesgreen light in a frequency relative to the intensity of the activitiesover the HPNA connection. Serial port 322 is for connection to telemetryservice input. The telemetry service includes remote control, amongother functionalities. Voice slot 324 is for telephony service input.Preferably, it comprises up to 4 RJ-11 connections. The telephonyservice includes VoIP (voice over IP) and VoATM (voice over ATM).Audio-in port 326 is for music-on-hold input The indications of the LEDsof the connection panel 302 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, below, aresummarized in Table 2. It is understood that the lights, slots,connections and other features may appear on panels and surfaces of theaccess device other than the ones in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rear view of oneembodiment of the access device according to the present invention Asshown in FIG. 4, located below a voice slot 424 is an Ethernet port 410,which comprises 4 Ethernet hubs 412, 414, 416, and 418. There are fourEthernet link LEDs 402 and four Ethernet activity LEDs 404. For eachEthernet hub, an Ethernet link LED 402 indicates its link status and anEthernet activity LED 404 indicates its activity status. When there isan Ethernet connection at an Ethernet hub, the associated Ethernet linkLED 402 shows green light Otherwise, when there is no Ethernetconnection at the Ethernet hub, the associated Ethenmet link LED 402shows no light. Also, when there is an Ethernet connection, theassociated Ethernet activity LED 404 flashes yellow light in a frequencyrelative to the intensity of the activities over the Ethernetconnection. The indications of the LEDs of the connection panel 302shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 3, above, are stummarized in Table 2. It shouldbe noted that other numbers of Ethernet hubs may be provided

TABLE 2 indication of LEDs on the connection panel. LED No Light ColorSolid Light Flashes USB link no USB green USB connected N/A LED 314connection HPNA link no HPNA green HPNA connected N/A LED 318 connectionHPNA activity no activity green N/A activity LED 320 Ethernet link theassociated green the associated N/A LED 402 Ethernet hub not Ethernethub connected connected Ethernet no activity yellow N/A Tx/Rx activityactivity LED 404

With the capacity of providing a variety of options, an access device inaccordance with the present invention can satisfy different users havingdifferent needs. For example, for home networking, the access device 200provides Internet access to multiple users simultaneously over a singletelephone line, while retaining the benefit of bringing voice service tothe home on the same telephone line as the Internet service. For smalloffice networking, the access device 200 provides multiple local areanetwork (LAN) options with multiple interfaces, such as Ethernet, HPNA,and wireless LAN (WLAN), all over a single ADSL connection. For homeoffice or telecommunicating, the access device 200 provides virtualprivate networking (VPN), separates FAX and voice lines, and bringsprivate branch exchange (PBX) functions.

FIG. 5 shows an Ethernet network with an access device according to thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the Ethernet network 500comprises an access device 502, a plurality of computers, showngenerally as 504, and at least one peripheral 506. Each of the pluralityof computers 504 is connected to an Ethernet hub on the access device502. The peripherals 506 can be devices such as printers and scannersand are connected to the computers 504, The access device 502 isconnected to a single DSL line 510 through which DSL services areprovided by a DSL service provider, shown generally as 508. In theEthernet network 500, each computer 504 has DSL access through thesingle DSL line 510. Also, each computer 504 has access to shared filesand peripherals 506. Preferably, the access device has up to four wiredEthernet connections. Additional computers may be added through the useof additional Ethernet hubs.

FIG. 6 shows an HPNA network with an access device according to thepresent invention As shown in FIG. 6, the HPNA network 600 comprises anaccess device 602, a plurality of computers 604, and peripherals 606.Each computer 604 is connected to the access device 602 via a telephoneline 618. A dual jack 616 receives input from a single DSL transmissionline 610 through which DSL services are provided by a DSL serviceprovider 608. The dual jack 616 is connected to the access device 602via both an HPNA line 612 and a DSL connection line 614. In the HPNAnetwork 600, each computer 604 has DSL access over the single DSL line610. Also, each computer 604 has access to shared files and peripherals606.

FIG. 7 shows a wireless network 700 with an access device 702 accordingto the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless network 700comprises an access device 702 and a plurality of computers 704. Eachcomputer 704 is connected to the access device 702 by radio signalstransmitted and received by a radio transmitter 720 attached to eachcomputer 704. The access device 702 is connected to a single DSL line710 through which DSL services are provided by a DSL service provider708. Also, a PCMCIA card with Wireless LAN (WLAN) capabilities isplugged into the access device 702 to enable the access device 702 touse the radio signals. Preferably, the PCMCIA card uses a home radiofrequency (HRF) card In the wireless network 700, each computer 704 hasDSL access over the single DSL line 710.

FIG. 8 shows a hybrid network 800 with an access device 802 according tothe present invention. It is a network which combines the features ofthe Ethernet network of FIG. 5, the HPNA network of FIG. 6, and thewireless network of FIG. 7. In addition, it also involves the use of theUSB connection of the access device. As shown in FIG. 8 the hybridnetwork 800 comprises an access device 802, one or more Ethernet-enabledcomputers 804 a, one or more HPNA-enabled computers 804 b, one or morewireless-enabled computers 804 c, a USB-enabled computer 804 d, andperipherals 806. The Ethernet computers 804 a are computers connected tothe Ethernet hubs on the access device 802, the HPNA computers 804 b arecomputers connected to the HPNA connections via a telephone line 818 onthe access device 802, the USB computer is a computer connected to theUSB connection of the access device 802, and the wireless computers 804c are computers connected to the access device 802 via radio or evenlight signals. The peripherals 806 are connected to the computers. Adual jack 816 receives input from a single DSL transmission line 810through which DSL services are provided by a DSL service provider 808.The dual jack 816 is connected to the access device 802 via both an HPNAline 812 and a DSL connection line 814. In the hybrid network 800, eachcomputer has DSL access through the single DSL line 810. Also, eachcomputer has access to shared files and peripherals 806.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the access device inaccordance with the present invention. It shows the major components onthe mother board of the access device. As shown in FIG. 9, access device900 comprises a DSL jack 902, a DSL line interface 904, and an xDSLtransceiver 906. The DSL jack 902, DSL line interface 904, and xDSLtransceiver 906 function as an ADSL transceiver unit (ATU) and supportIP forwarding (routing) and point-to-point protocol (PPP). The DSL jack902 receives a DSL line. The DSL line interface 904 interces with DSLsignals coming from the DSL line. It may also function as a POTS (plainold telephone system) filter The xDSL transceiver 906 is a networkadapter which transmits and receives the DSL signals. It also supportssoftware downloading. Having the functions as an ATU and those that willbe discussed in detail below, the access device acts as a DSL modem andcombines the fictions of a gateway, router, and Ethernet hub to providehigh-speed Internet access to PCs sharing a local network. It providespoint-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPOE) tunneling through networkaddress translation (NAT). Preferably, the DSL jack 902 is a registeredjack-45 (RJ-45) and the xDSL transceiver 906 is an ALCATEL® ADSL DMTchipset (MTK-20140). DSL line interface is well known in the art. Table3 lists the preferred products for the major components shown in FIG. 9,except those well known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the DSLjack 902 corresponds to the DSL port 308 of FIG. 3.

The access device 900 also comprises PCMCIA sockets 910 for acceptanceof PCMCIA cards, flash memory 912 into which software drivers and thelike may be stored or downloaded, and SDRAM 914. These componentsconstitute a PCMCIA interface and function to receive and service PCMCIAcards. This PCMCIA interface preferably supports 16 bit type-II PCMCIAcards. It also support Bluetooth and other protocols. Supported PCMCIAcards include conventional PC cards, such as streaming video and videocapture cards, as well as WLAN cards, such as Bluetooth, IEEE802.11a,IEEE802.11b, HomeRF,

TABLE 3 The preferred products for the major components shown in FIG. 9.Component Preferred product DSL jack 902 RJ-45 jack xDSL transceiver 906ALCATEL ® ADSL DMT chipset (MTK-20140) FPGA 908 Altera ® gate arrayPCMCIA sockets 910 standard 64 pin sockets flash memoy 912 SHARP ® 32 Mbflash memory SDRAM 914 SHARP ® 16 Mb SDRAM microcontroller 918Motorola ® M855 processor serial connector 922 dual RS-232 connector LANrepeater 926 Hex repeater with 6 ports Ethernet jacks 930 QuadIntegrated RJ-45 jacks USB port 932 Type-B USB HPNA port 934 telephonejack LAN oscillator 940 25 MHz oscillator microcontroller oscillator 9463–5 MHz oscillatorHiperLAN, HiperLAN2, and RadioLan 10 Mbps WLAN PCMCIA cards. Listed inTable 4 are some of the applications supported by the PCMCIA interface.Also, listed in Table 5 are some of the modes of operation supported bythe PCMCIA interface, Preferably, the number of sockets in PCMCIAsockets 910 is 2, the PCMCIA sockets 910 are standard 64 pin sockets,the flash memory 912 is a SHARP® 32 Mb flash memory, and the SDRAM 914is a SHARP® 16 Mb SDRAM. In a preferred embodiment, the PCMCIA sockets910 correspond to the first and second PCMCIA ports 216 and 218 of FIG.2. The PCMCIA cards can be plugged and unplugged easily. They can bechanged according to needs. For example, a user can use differentplug-ins for different applications. Also, the user can update versionsof applications by plugging in a PCMCIA card of a newer version. It isnoted that changing PCMCIA cards does not affect the design of theaccess device 900.

TABLE 4 Applications supported by the PCMCIA interface. Application CardType Wireless LAN 802.11 I/O Wireless LAN proprietary I/O Wireless localloop I/O Bluetooth, HomerRF (SWAP) I/O DOCSIS 1.0 Cable Modem I/O HPNAI/O TI ISDN PRI I/O DAML I/O MPEG II Video I/O HDSL2 I/O SDSL I/O HomeSecurity I/O Cordless Phone base unit (DECT, VoIP) I/O Security andencryption card memory

TABLE 5 Modes of operation supported by the PCMCIA interface. NumberMode 1 Wireless peer-to-peer networking (LAN) or Ethernet Bridge 2Wireless HUB networking (Router) 3 Point-to-point WLL 4Point-to-multpoint WLL 5 ISDN BRI/PRI (for SDSL/SHDSL/HDSL applications)6 MEG II video distribution 7 DAML support (2–4 channel) 8 HDSL/SDSLinterface 9 Dial-up or derived connection for aggregation of securitysignals (for security interfaces) 10  Cordless Phone Base Unit 11 Zoomed Video 12  Hardware keys, 3DES, or SIM (for security andencryption)

The access device 900 may also comprise field programmable gate array(FPGA) 908 and microcontroller 918. Microcontrollcr 918 preferably is amicroprocessor. FPGA 908 and microcontroller 918 communicate with eachother and process signals from the xDSL transceiver 906 and the PCMCIAcards at the PCMCLA sockets 910. The FPGA 908 communicates with the xDSLtransceiver 906 through a system bus to receive signals such as data,control, and serial/detonator. Alternatively, the microcontroller 918may communicate with the FPGA 908 through an ATM Utopia interface and adedicated control interface. The FPGA 908 communicates with the PCMCIAcards through a system bus and microcontroller 918 communicates with thePCMCIA cards through a system bus and a PCMCIA control. A softwaredriver is provided to each individual PCMCIA card, Such drivers can bedownloaded by ways such as floppy disk, CD, or network access to aservice provider. Preferably, the FPGA 908 is an Altera® gate array andthe microcontroller 918 is a Motorola® M855 processor. It supports AAL5encapsulation of Ethernet frames according to known RFC (Request ForComments) specifications.

The access device 900 further may comprise a serial connector 922, whichis connected to the FPGA 908 and functions to receive telemetryservices, such as a remote radio frequency (RF) control, a radio deviceor the like, a low speed serial wireless networking, or a utility meterreader. In a preferred embodiment, however, the serial connector 922 isa dual RS-232 connector and is self-powered. In a preferred embodiment,the DB connector 924 corresponds to the serial port 322 of FIG. 3.

The access device 900 further may comprise a LAN repeater 926, lineinterface 928, Ethernet jacks 930, USB port 932, HPNA port 934, board936, Ethernet LEDs 938, and LAN oscillator 940. These componentsfunction for LAN networking. The Ethernet jacks 930 provide Ethernetconnections to computers. Preferably, the number of jacks in theEthernet jacks 930 is 4, the Ethernet jacks 930 are Quad IntegratedRJ-45 jacks, and the Ethernet connections are through 10 base T hubs. Aline interface is well known in the art. The status and activities ofthe Ethernet connection are indicated by Ethernet LEDs 938. In apreferred embodiment, the Ethernet jacks 930 correspond to the Ethernetports 310 of FIG. 3 and the Ethernet LEDs 938 correspond to the Ethernetlink LEDs 402 and Ethernet activity LEDs 404 of FIG. 4.

The USB port 932 provides USB connection to computers. Preferably, it isa Type B USB. The status of the USB connection is indicated by a USB LED(not shown). In a preferred embodiment, this LED corresponds to the USBlink LED 314 of FIG. 3 and the USB port 932 corresponds to the USB port312 of FIG. 3.

The HPNA port 934 provides HPNA connection to telephone sets. The statusand activities of the HPNA connection are indicated by HPNA LEDs (notshown) The HPNA connection is capable of functioning as a PBX orCentrex. In a preferred embodiment, these LEDs correspond to the HPNAlink LED 318 and the HPNA activity LED 320 of FIG. 3 and the HPNA port934 corresponds to the HPNA port 316 of FIG. 3.

The board 936 can be an Ethernet-to-USB/HPNA board. It is an IC boarddedicated for the USB and HPNA connections at the USB port 932 and theHPNA port 934, respectively. Preferably, it is an IC board that isseparate from the mother board. It communicates with the line interface928 on the mother board to connect the USB port 932 and the HPNA port934 to the LAN repeater 926. The LAN repeater 926 ties together theconnections from the USB port 932, the HPNA port 934, and the Ethernetjacks 930, establishing a local area network (LAN). The LAN repeater 926communicates with the microcontroller 918 so that signals from the xDSLtransceiver 906 and PCMCIA cards at the PCMCIA sockets 910 can be passedto the LAN and signals from the LAN can be passed to the xDSLtransceiver 906 and PCMCIA cards at the PCMCIA sockets 910. Also, theLAN repeater 926 is connected to a LAN oscillator 940 which serves as aclock for the LAN repeater 926. Preferably, the LAN oscillator 940 is a25 MHz oscillator and the LAN repeater 926 is a Hex repeater with 6ports, of which 4 ports are for Ethernet connections, one port is for aUSB connection, and one port is for an HPNA connection.

The access device 900 may additionally comprise DSL LED 942, PCMCIA LEDs944, microcontroller oscillator 946, momentary switch 948, and DIPheader 950. These components communicate with the microcontroller 918.The DSL LED 942 indicates the status and activities of the DSLconnection. In a preferred embodiment, it corresponds to the DSL LED 206of FIG. 2. The PCMCIA LEDs 944 indicate the status and activities of thePCMCIA connections. In a preferred embodiment, they correspond to thefirst and second PCMCIA LEDs 208 and 210 of FIG. 2, The DIP header 950is connected to an internal background debug interface (not shown) forthe purpose of debugging in the background. The momentary switch 948 isfor the purpose of resetting the microcontroller 918 to a default, orinitial, state. The microcontroller oscillator 946 serves as a clock ofthe microcontroller oscillator 946 and is preferably a 3–5 MHzoscillator. Momentary switches and DIP headers are well known in theart.

The access device 900, as shown in FIG. 9, may also comprise anexpansion bus interface 962. It communicates with both themicrocontroller 918 and the FPGA 908. It is also for the purpose ofcommunicating with expanded components, such as the components foraudio-in and voice functions, which will be discussed below in relationto FIG. 10.

The power supply system of the access device 900 includes, as shown inFIG. 9, a power port 952, a power supply 954, and a power LED 956. Thepower port 952 receives power from a power cord plugged into aconventional socket. The power supply 954 outputs the power at aplurality of voltages to drive to different components. The power LED956 indicates the status of power connection. In a preferred embodiment,the power LED 956 corresponds to the power LED 204 of FIG. 2. Also, thepower port 952 receives a power cord from a power adapter, preferablywith 24V AC transformer. In a preferred embodiment, it corresponds tothe power adapter port 304 of FIG. 3. In addition, power supply 954output power at a plurality of voltages such as +30V DC, +5V DC, +3.3VDC, +2.5V DC, and ±12V DC.

Through a combination of software and hardware connections to the CPU,all LAN port connections are bridged together in the access device.Thus, the wireless LAN, HPNA, USB and Ethernet ports all act as a singlelogical connection to the end user enabling Dynamic Host ConfigurationProtocol (DHCP) such that all bridging and routing protocols have thesame appearance.

The flexible nature of an access device in accordance with the presentinvention allows for a variety of connectivities and protocols. A widevariety of optional “user-pluggable” boards may be used with the accessdevice of the present invention. One such board is a modular WANinterface “plug in card” which may be configured for ADSL, G.SHDSL,VDSL, ISDN BRI/PRI and cable modem front ends. Another is a modular WANinterface which includes HomePNA 2.0 or HPNA 2.0, USB and/or powerline,Still another is a board with low speed telemetry port which may haveserial connections installed for telemetry/meter reading/internetappliances, and low power RF modules which plug in and provide low speedwireless connectivity(<100 kbps), or remote wireless meter readingcapability. The two Type II PCMCIA or cardbus slots also allow forexpansion to such capabilities as wireless LAN, harddisk, and HPNA 2.0,among others.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the access device inaccordance with the present invention. It shows the major components onan expansion board 1002, used in conjunction with the mother board 1004,of the access device. As shown in FIG. 10, access device 1000 comprisesan expansion bus interface 1062, designated by the vertical dashed line,which corresponds to the expansion bus interface 962 of FIG. 9. Theexpansion bus interface 1062 provides communication between the motherboard 1004 on the right hand side of FIG. 10 and the expansion board1002 on the left hand side of FIG. 10. Preferably, the expansion businterface 1062 comprises a host processor interface (HPI) 1022, a ADC(address/data/control) interface 1024, and a network timing reference(NTR) 1026. The mother board 1004 comprises a mother FPGA 1008, amicrocontroller 1018, a power port 1052, and a power supply 1054,corresponding to the FPGA 908, microcontroller 918, power port 952, andpower supply 954, respectively, of FIG. 9. In addition, the mother board1004 also comprises a power expansion connector 1058, which suppliespower to the expansion board 1002. The power port 1052 receives powerfrom a power input 1092 rectified by a rectifier 1094. Preferably, thepower expansion connector 1058 supplies a 30V DC power to the expansionboard 1002.

The expansion board 1002 of the access device 1000 provides audio andvoice functions. As shown on the left hand side of FIG. 10, it comprisesa digital signal processor (DSP) 1066 and an expansion FPGA 1068. Theexpansion FPGA 1068 serves as a pulse code modulation (PCM) interfacebetween incoming audio-in and voice signals and the DSP 1066. The DSP1066 and expansion FPGA 1068 communicate with each other and with themother FPGA 1008 and the microcontroller 1018 to process the incomingaudio-in and voice signals. Specifically, the DSP 1066 and expansionFPGA 1068 communicate with each other via a PCM Highway bus 1032. ThePCM Highway bus comprises multiple channels. For example, it maycomprise 24 channels. The DSP 1066 also communicates with the expansionFPGA 1068 through a DSP_HINT bus 1034. In addition the DSP 1066communicates with the microcontroller 1018 through the HPI 1022 and theexpansion FPGA 1068 communicates with the microcontroller 1018 throughthe ADC (address/data/control) interface 1024. Further, the expansionFPGA 1068 communicates with the mother FPGA 1008 through the NTR 1026.Preferably, the DSP 1066 comprises TI DSP 5409 multi-channel bufferedserial ports (MCBSPs). Table 6 lists the preferred products for themajor components shown in FIG. 10, except those well known in the art.

The DSP 1066 is connected to a SRAM 1072 for expanded memory.Preferably, SRAM 1072 is a 12nS 256K×16 SRAM. The DSP 1066 is alsoconnected to an DSP oscillator 1074 which serves as a clock for the DSP1066. Preferably, the DSP oscillator 1074 is a 20 MHz oscillator.

The expansion FPGA 1068 communicates with a low pass filter (LPF) 1076and an expansion FPGA oscillator 1078. The LPF 1076 serves as a loop forthe purpose of controlling timing. The expansion FPGA oscillator 1078serves as a clock for the expansion FPGA 1068. Preferably, the expansionFPGA oscillator 1078 is an 8.192 MHz voltage control crystal oscillator(VCXO oscillator). However, one skilled in the art can use other means,such as a network timing reference (NTR) or adaptive timing recovery, toserve as a clock for the expansion FPGA 1068.

For music-on-hold, the access device 1000 further may comprise anaudio-in port 1080, in the form of a conventional stereo jack or thelike. As shown in FIG. 10, the audio-in in port 1080 provides connectionto and receives audio-in signals. It feeds the signals to a musiccoder-decoder (Codec) 1082. The music Codec 1082 performs tho conversionbetween analog sound and digital codes and communicates with theexpansion FPGA 1068 to process the incoming audio-in signals.Preferably, the audio-in port 1080 is a 3.5 mm stereo jack and supports8 kHz sampled music. In a preferred embodiment, the audio-in port 1080corresponds the audio-in port 326 of FIG. 3.

The access device 1000, as shown in FIG. 10, flier comprises a voiceslot 1086 and a voice codec 1084. The voice slot 1086 receives voiceservices, such as telephone services, including VoIP and VoATM, using avariety of protocols including MGCP, SIP, H.323, and H.248, which arestandards well known in the industry The voice codec 1084 registersvoice signals and performs the conversion between sound analog anddigital codes. It communicates with the expansion FPGA 1068 through acontrol/status bus 1036 and a PCM and Frame Sync (FS) bus 1038.Preferably, the voice slot 1086 consists of 4 plain old telephoneservice (POTS) RJ-11 jacks and the voice codec 1084 contains 4 SI-3210codecs which include 4 subscriber line interface circuits (SLICs) and 4A/U-Law codecs. The codec options include G.711, G.726, G.723.1, G.729Aand G.728. The voice codes 1084 is capable of supporting call progresstones out of band with actual transmission and reception taking placevia the programmable SLIC. Also, the voice codes 1084 comprises a voicecoder (vocoder) to support VoIP/VoATM. In a preferred embodiment, thevoice slot 1086 corresponds to the voice slot 324 of FIG. 3.

The access device 1000 may her comprise an expansion board power supply1088, which receives power from the power expansion connector 1058 andsupplies power to various components of the expansion board 1002. Themother board 1004 and the expansion board 1002 are grounded by commonground 1090.

TABLE 6 Preferred major components shown in FIG. 10. Component Preferredproduct DSP 1066 TI DSP 5409 (MCBSPs). SRAM 1072   12 nS 256K × 16 SRAM.DSP oscillator 1074   20 MHz oscillator expansion FPGA oscillator 10788.192 MHz VCXO oscillator audio-in port 1080  3.5 mm stereo jack voiceslot 1086 RJ-11 jack voice codec 1084 SI-3210 codec

As discussed above, an access device according to the present inventionmay use a single DSL line, which can carry both voice and data signalssimultaneously. Sometimes, the voice and data signals interfere witheach other, producing unwanted noise in the voice transmission.Therefore, when the access device is used for both voice and datasignals over a single DSL line, an additional device is needed tominimize the interference.

The options available for this additional device include a plain oldtelephone service (POTS) splitter and microfilters, both of which arewell known in the art A POTS splitter splits the incoming signals overthe DSL line and sends the signal out through its voice or data port,based on the signal's frequency. Alternatively, a microfilter can beused at each telephone wall jack connected to the DSL. It filters outhigh frequencies associated with data signals and pass only lowfrequencies associated with voice signals to a telephone set.

FIG. 11 shows an access system which incorporates an access deviceaccording to the present invention with a POTS splitter. As shown inFIG. 11, the access system 1100 comprises a DSL line 1102, a POTSsplitter 1104, a data line 1106, a voice line 1108, an access device1110, computers 1112, telephone sets 1114, and jacks 1118. The DSL line1102 receives DSL transmission from a DSL service provider, such as atelephone company 1120, and passes DSL signals to the POTS splitter1104. The POTS splitter 1104 splits the incoming DSL signals based ontheir frequencies and sends voice signals to the voice line 1108 anddata signals to the data line 1106. The data line 1106 passes the datasignals to the access device 1110 which is wired or wirelessly connectedto computers 1112. The voice line 1108, on the other hand, passes thevoice signals to the jacks 1118, from which the telephone sets 1114 areconnected.

FIG. 12 shows an access system which incorporates an access deviceaccording to the present invention with microfilters. As shown in FIG.12, the access system 1200 comprises a DSL line 1202, an access device1210, computers 1212, telephone sets 1214, microfilters 1216, and jacks1218. The DSL line 1202 receives DSL transmission from a DSL serviceprovider, such as a telephone company 1220, and passes DSL signals tothe access device 1210. The access device 1210 is wired or wirelesslyconnected to computers 1212 through LAN 1224. The DSL line 1202 alsopasses DSL signals to the jacks 1218 through twisted pair 1222. Eachtelephone set 1214 is connected to a jack 1218 through a microfilter1216. The microfilter 1216 filtes out high frequencies associated withdata signals and pass only low frequencies associated with voice signalsto the telephone set 1214.

From a user's perspective, the access device can be treated as a modernwith extended functionalities. By making appropriate connectionsaccording to the discussions above, a user may use it for a variety ofpurposes. Referring to FIG. 3, for example, a user may connect an ADSLphone line cable to the DSL port 308, a power cable with a 24V DCadapter to the power adapter port 304, and a computer with an Ethernetcable to the Ethernet port 310. Also, the user may install a POTSsplitter before the access device, as discussed above in relation toFIG. 11, or microfilters before telephone sets, as discussed in relationto FIG. 12.

If needed, the user may also plug a telephone line into the first jack316B of the dual HPNA ports 316, referring to FIG. 3, and lead an HPNAcable from the second jack 316A to a telephone set or a telephone walljack. The user may also connect a computer to the USB slot 312 through aUSB cable. The USB slot 312 may also be used for wirelesscommunications. For this purpose, an access HRF USB adapter can beconnected to a remote computer. The USB adapter uses RF to communicate,trough the access device of the present invention, with other computersconnected to the access device. Also, the user may connect the serialport 322, the coice slot 324, or the audio-in port 326 appropriately, asdiscussed above, if telemetry services, telephony services, ormusic-on-hold services, respectively, are desired.

To obtain various functions, the user may, for example, plug in up totwo PCMCIA cards into the first and second PCMCIA ports 216 and 218 ofFIG. 2. The user may plug in different PCMCIA cards for differentpurposes and change PCMCIA cards as needed. For example, for wirelesscommunications from a laptop computer to other computers connected tothe access device, the user may plug in a WLAN PCMCIA card. Meanwhile,the user may fit an access HRF PCMCIA card adapter into the laptopcomputer's PCMCIA socket that supports the HRP PCMCIA card. The PCMCIAadapter uses RF to communicate, through the access device, with othercomputers connected to the access device.

To download various software and drivers or to upgrade the accessdevice, a user can use floppy disks, CDs, or a network connected to aprovider of such services. The software is downloaded to a clientcomputer which is connected to the access device. The client computercommunicates with the access device to upgrade, or even change thepersonality of, the access device. In other words, the access device canbe upgraded and/or configured according to one's needs.

To have access to the Internet through the access device, a computerneeds to have a browser, preferably Microsoft® Internet explorer 4.0 orlater, or Netscape® navigator 4.0 or later. The minimum networkingrequirement for a computer includes a 486/66 MHz processor, Windows 98or Windows ME., a 16 MB RAM, a 10 MB of available hard disk space. Theminimum requirement also includes an available USB port, an availableHPNA port an available PCMCIA slot, or an Ethernet port. The extrarequirement for wireless networking includes an access HRF USB adapteror an access HRF PCMCIA card.

Certain software needs to be installed on a client computer foraccessing the access device. An installation CD containing a softwarepackage for this purpose is equipped with the access device of thepresent invention For example, software is needed for the use of the USBport. To install the USB software, a user inserts the installation CDinto the computer after connecting the USB cable between the USB port ofthe access device and the USB port on the computer and after startingWindows 98 or Windows ME. An “Add New Hardware Wizard” window willappear, as shown in the example in FIG. 13 with on-screen installationinstructions for the user to follow.

Before use, the access device needs to be configured. To configure theaccess device, a user needs to connect a client computer to the accessdevice and connect the access device to a DSL line. Using the modemfeature of the access device, the user uses the web browser on thecomputer to access a specified home page designated for the accessdevice of the present invention. The URL of the home page ishttp:192.168.1.1.:8080. The home page, as shown in the example in FIG.14, provides on-line configuration instructions for the user toconfigure the access device. The configuration makes the access device ascalable xDSL modem with modular WAN interface plugin card, which may beconfigured as ADSL, G.SHDSL, VDSL, ISDN BRI/PRI, or cable modem frontend.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart summarizing the installation procedure and theuse of the access device according to the present invention. The accessdevice can be considered as a “super modem”. The access device isflexible enough to satisfy most networking by serving as a gateway for ahome or a small office. The network established by the access deviceenables a single DSL line to be shared by multiple platforms.

As shown in FIG. 15, at step 1502, a user filters voice signals. If theuser uses a DSL line only for data transmission, the user can skip tostep 1504. On the otherhand, if the user uses the DSL line for both dataand voice transmission, the user installs either a POTS splitter betweenthe DSL line and the access device or a microfilter at each phone jack.

Steps 1504 through 1510 are to connect various options provided by theaccess device. These options are for the basic use of the access device.Steps 1516 through 1524 are to use the expanded options provided by theaccess device.

At step 1504, the user may connect HRF network for wireless networking.In this step, the user plugs in an HRF PCMCIA card into one of the twoPCMCIA slots, attaches an antenna to the PCMCIA card, installs an HRFdevice on the PC to be used in the wireless network, and installs an HRFPCMCIA driver on the PC from an installation CD or disk. The wirelessnetworking enables telecommuting.

At step 1506, the user may connect HPNA network. In this step, the userconnects an HPNA cable between the HPNA connector on the access deviceto one of the two outlets of a dual jack. The dual jack receives inputfrom a DSL line, through a POTS splitter if the DSL line carries bothdata and voice signal. The other outlet of the dual jack is connected tothe DSL port of the access device.

At step 1508, the user may connect USB network. In this step, the userconnects a PC to the USB port of the access device.

At step 1510, the usermay connect Ethernet network. In this step, theuser connects a PC to any one of the 4 Ethernet ports on the accessdevice, The user also equips the PC to be so connected with an Ethernetcard.

At step 1512, the user connects to an Internet service provider (ISP).For example, the user may connect to the Westell website for Internetservices.

At step 1514, the user configures the access device. In this step, theuser uses a PC that has been connected to the access device, points tothe URL of a designated ISP, such as Westell, gets on-screen andstep-by-step instructions, and configures the access device. At thispoint, the installation of the access device is complete and the usercan use the established connections, such as the wireless connection,the USB connection, the Ethernet connection, or the HPNA connection forhome networking applications or small office networking applications.

At step 1516, the user may connect an audio-in application at theaudio-in port of the access device. For example, the user can connect aradio to the access device for a radio-on-hold application.

At step 1518, the user may connect a voice application such as VoIP andVoATM application, to a voice port of the access device. Also, the usermay use a voice port of the access device for video applications.

At step 1520, the user may make a connection to the telemetry port ofthe access device for telemetry applications, such as a remote control,a utility meter, and a security monitor. For example, a remote controlapplication enables the access device to be remotely controlled, autility meter enables a remote reading of a utility meter, such as a gasmeter, and a security monitor enables a remote monitoring of a homesecurity system.

At step 1522, the user may add PCs to the network. The user may use anyof the connection options to expand the network by adding more PCs,phone sets, or peripherals,

At step 1524, the user may plug in a PCMCIA to a PCMCIA port on theaccess device. The PCMCIA card can carry any application supported bythe access device. Also, the user can change a PCMCIA card for differentapplications. This modular feature makes it possible to change the“personality” of the access device without having to make physicalchanges to the access device itself. It also makes it possible toupgrade the access device by a simple PCMCIA card swapping, withouthaving to make physical changes to the access device.

It should be kept in mind that the order of the steps presented in FIG.15 is not critical. It should also be kept in mind that an access deviceneed not have all the functionalities implied by the steps, and so oneor more of the steps may not been available on some access devices.

Finally, while the invention has been described and illustrated hereinwith respect to preferred embodiments, it should be apparent thatvarious alternatives, modifications, adaptions, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the an and may be made utilizing theteachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope ofthe invention and are intended to be within the scope of the inventionas defined by the claims herein.

1. An xDSL modem comprising: a controller having a computer memoryassociated therewith; software resident in said computer memory, saidsoftware comprising preloaded software drivers configured to support aplurality of PCMCIA cards; at least one PCMCIA slot accessible from anexterior surface of the modem, and at least one port configured toaccept a new software driver suitable for cooperating with a PCMCIA cardfor which no suitable software driver is already resident in saidcomputer memory, wherein upon insertion of a PCMCIA card, a propersoftware driver is automatically invoked, if said proper software driveris resident in said computer memory.
 2. The xDSL modem according toclaim 1, comprising at least two PCMCIA slots, each of which isaccessible from an exterior surface of the modem.
 3. The xDSL modemaccording to claim 1, wherein said preloaded software drivers includesoftware drivers for protocols from the group consisting of Bluetooth,IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, HomeRF, HiperLAN, and HiperLAN2.
 4. An xDSLmodem comprising: a motherboard having a controller having a firstcomputer memory associated therewith; and at least one voice expansionslot connected to the motherboard, wherein the xDSL modem is convertibleinto a voice-capable device upon insertion of a voice card in the voiceexoansion slot; wherein the voice card includes at least one digitalsignal processor (DSP) unit and at least one subscriber line interfacecircuits (SLIC), and wherein the voice card is configured to support atleast one coder-decoder (codec) standard and at least one voiceprotocol.
 5. The xDSL modem according to claim 4, wherein the at leastone codec standard is two or more from the group consisting of G.711,G.726, G.723.1, G.729A and G.728.
 6. The xDSL modem according to claim4, wherein the at least one voice protocol is two or more from the groupconsisting of MGCP, SIP, H.323, H.248/MEGACO.